On the “Shunning” of Marriage Equality Opponent Ryan T. Anderson: A Reply to Damon Linker
Writing on his blog at The Week, Damon Linker objects to the treatment of same-sex marriage…
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Civility, Unity, Tolerance And Other Dangerous Terms
In these days of political polarization much of the public discussion, particularly when it comes to religion, has shifted from what is said to how it is said. Forget about equality, the narrative goes, are you demanding it in a kind and civil tone? Maybe civility, unity and tolerance ain’t all they’re cracked up to be…
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After Westboro: The Trouble With “Tolerance”
There are various levels of nuance to the message that LGBT people are unacceptable to God, and these often pass under the guise of tolerance. One of the most pervasive is the notion of “welcoming but not affirming.” It is the pinnacle of the soul-destroying practice of theologized tolerance that says, “You are welcome to exist among us, but we cannot affirm the goodness, value or worth of your life(style).” This is a particularly popular discourse among “moderates” who rest proud that they aren’t like Westboro and for whom tolerance seems virtuous.
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Jay Bakker on LGBT Justice and the Demands of Grace
Bakker on LGBT inclusion: “My goal is pure acceptance, not just tolerance. I think we’re on the verge of that. People are having conversations. I had someone ask me to listen to this sermon that was a thirty-minute apology, and then a ten-minute why it’s wrong to be gay. So, I’m starting to see these pastors apologizing for what they’re about to say. They seem to know, instinctively, that what they’re doing is wrong.”
Read MoreChocolate Jesus Week
It’s a big world, and a delicious one too.
Read MoreThe Religious Left’s New Script
Will tolerance be the new rallying cry for religious progressives?
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Expelled Ugandan Bishop Ministers to LGBT
The Bishop is touring the United States and Europe, sponsored by the Episcopal LGBT group Integrity USA (among other organizations) to raise awareness about the draconian law being considered by the Ugandan parliament, which would make homosexuality illegal; in some cases punishable by death. Having already faced the rejection of his church and loss of his pension for standing up for the equality and spiritual dignity of LGBT people, Senyonjo could face imprisonment for his continued advocacy under a section of the law meant to prevent the “promotion” of homosexuality.
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Religious Persecution Wolf in Anti-Defamation Sheep’s Clothing
Capitalizing on the Muhammad cartoon riots and Western anxieties over the persecution of Muslims, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution urging member states to prosecute for “religious defamation.” Problem is, those likely to suffer most are religious minorities.
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Election Day: Hope, Heartbreak, Naiveté, and Studs Terkel
We may not have had a big map, or red and blue markers, or a flashing digital electoral vote count, but some of our favorite writers agreed to share a few words on this big day.
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Obama’s Muslim Problem—And Ours
By all accounts, Obama finds anti-Muslim bigotry offensive. Yet, his behavior during the current presidential campaign leaves a bad taste in the mouth of Muslims and in the mouths of us who believe that openness to the religious others is what America must mean.
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